Brian Swanson announced this week he will be one of the 10 Moose Javians running for a Prairie South School Division (PSSD) board seat in the coming election. Swanson, who has worked closely with the school division as a teacher, said he has watched the division’s enrollment numbers continuously drop, for almost 30 years now, while the divisions administration numbers increased. “I think we (as a division) have to re-prioritize our resources and focus on the classroom.” Swanson said he also feels the board needs to become more transparent in its dealings. As for school closers, Swanson said to make a fair assessment of what the board has done in the past, a person would need to see all of the numbers and information. However, with that said, Swanson added “you have to value what does a school closer cost and what does it cost to have a top heavy central board office.”
Swanson will be seeking two seats in the coming elections
Coun. Brian Swanson
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- Published on October 1st, 2009
- Published on October 1st, 2009
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Lyndsay McCready
Times-Herald
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Comments
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- Tammy
- - October 22nd, 2009 at 00:30:05
Well I won't be voting for any of the councillors that are trying to get re-elected. Last winter I sent each one of them an informed letter questioning what type of environmental initiatives might be considered in the new North West development. (I have recently heard that this development is not going ahead). I asked specifically to hear back from them, and guess what? Not one of them responded to my letter. No email, no phone, nothing. Is that listening to the citizens of Moose Jaw? How irresponsible and disrespectful!
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- Little Jimmy Dickens
- - October 10th, 2009 at 01:24:46
Good luck Brian hope you don't totally blow a gasket because there are some real winners in this crew. I can't wait to see you make a total fool out of chuckles when he spews his nonsense in council chambers. We thought McBain ans swingy were bad I doubt you've seen anything yet. Hagel wants to create more beaucracy and spend money like a drunken sailor on administration and traveling around at taxpayers expense telling all his stories. Good luck and hope you get in to keep him honest because I doubt anyone else will. He's a flake and phony as a three dollar bill.
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- Harold C
- - October 7th, 2009 at 15:24:29
No thanks we don't need anymore retired teachers who just want a soapbox to grandstand from.
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- Cousin Truth
- - October 7th, 2009 at 15:04:29
Charlie horse must be one of Brian's family members.... The only purse strings Swanson is worried about is his own. Keep Moose Jaw from growing and leaving the dark ages and he keep raking in the cash from his apartments with cheap taxes.
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- Mrs. Truth
- - October 7th, 2009 at 14:32:34
Just to make sure people understand where I'm coming from. I am NOT a Brian Swanson (or anyone else for that matter) hater. Brian has committed a lot of time to the people of Moose Jaw and should be commended. All I'm saying is that we, as responsible voters, need to ask the right questions of those that are seeking our vote. Don't just accept a candidate or party platform as the gospel, ask the qestions, investigate the answers and vote as an informed person... sometimes the candidates don't even know the answers and the good ones will investigate and if necessary, re-evalute their views. That's all I'm saying.
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- Charlie Horse
- - October 7th, 2009 at 14:45:42
OK Mrs. Truth - if you are looking for someone who shows up Monday nights with his homework completed - then Mr. Brian Swanson has to step to the front of the class. Because whether you like him or not, he has consistently been the most informed and best prepared of all the councillors. He has also tried to play a role as watchdog on the purse-strings. He will no doubt get the vote of those of us who feel that fiscal responsibility is not such a bad thing.
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- Mrs. Truth
- - October 7th, 2009 at 16:45:14
Charlie, Please re-read my post! you will see I've said nothing against any candidates, in fact I complimented Brian! What I said was that it is up to ALL of us to do our own homework and make our decisions come election time as informed citizens. To that extent I challenge you, Charlie (and everyone else for that matter), to do your own homework (as I have) instead of relying on ANY of the candidates platforms. Having done my research I do not agree with Mr. Swanson's assumption that the Prairie South School Division is "top heavy". Nor did the former Moose Jaw Public School Division have the highest mill rate in the province... it didn't even have the highest mill rate in the school divisions that amalgamated to form the new Prairie South School Division. Those are simple facts that anyone can check on for themselves and I was surprised that Brian had them wrong. I'm sure Brian did not intentionally give out false information, but that doesn't mean we, as citizens, should beleive everything we read and hear either!
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- Jarod
- - October 6th, 2009 at 23:58:41
Well said Stevo!
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- Stevo
- - October 6th, 2009 at 15:50:26
I wish he was running for mayor too so we could see him and his personal agenda kicked to the curb. He knows he doesn't have enough extremists to get him into a mayors seat. Been there done that, lost big time. No more land barons with hidden agendas please.
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- hugh betcha
- - October 7th, 2009 at 10:12:35
Brian Swanson was and still is trying to ensure that decisions affecting the citizens of Moose Jaw are made in a fiscally responsible manner. Since when is that extremism? He may be well off, but he doesn't act rich. He's trying to save our money - not spend it. So Stevo - you've got it entirely backwards. He is speaking up for the thousands of us who object to our councillors acting like Paris Hilton with her daddy's credit card.
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- hugh betcha
- - October 6th, 2009 at 14:57:21
I encourage all residents of Moose Jaw to get out and vote for Brian Swanson - a voice of reason. We need someone like Brian to reign in all the rest of the gang who are prone to acting like a bunch of drunken sailors on shore leave. I would like to thank him for all his hard work, and the fact that he doesn't just cave in when the going gets tough. He is always very well prepared, he is an honest decent guy and we are lucky to have him. I just wish he was running for mayor.
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- Mrs. Truth
- - October 6th, 2009 at 16:43:16
I encourage all residents of Moose Jaw that vote in the public division to do their own research and base their votes on that information and not random politically-based buzz phrases and platforms that have no basis in fact and/or truth. I'm not sure what running for mayor has to do with the public school board but, whatever.
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- Mrs. Truth
- - October 6th, 2009 at 12:07:42
I've watched with some interest the papers as well as forums such as this. As a parent of school aged kids and as an educator I've been confused with some of the information and mis-information being tossed around. Brian has gone on record stating that the former Moose Jaw Public School Division had the highest mill rate in the province. I checked into this and was surprised to find that that is in fact not the case. I was able to get the mill rates for the school divisions that now make up Prairie South School Division and heres how they stacked-up just prior to amalgamation: Davidson School Division: 18.50 Thundercreek School Division: 19.00 Borderland School Division: 19.25 Moose Jaw Public School Division: 19.30 Golden Plains School Division: 20.00 Red Coat Trail School Division: 20.00 Herbert School Division: 22.35 This brings me to beleive that perhaps Brian hasn't done his due-dillegence and researched his numbers/facts. This concerns me and brings into question Mr' Swanson's statements!
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 6th, 2009 at 14:36:55
I am not nor have I ever been married or related to the woman above.....
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- 2 Cents
- - October 5th, 2009 at 21:15:35
Your missing an important player in the game, the Ministry of Education mandates many of the student supports that divisions legally have to deliver. In many cases it's not a decision that is in the hands of the division, it's a legal issue. Look at the number of school divisions that are being sued for not providing an "equitable" education to high needs students. You can argue what is "equitable" and what is "fair", but when it comes to the law, the Education Act is very clear. Certainly many of these supports and programs are expensive relative to a "regular" students. People can debate the pros/cons of this type of support system but in most cases I suspect that the division is simply following the Education Act. Having dealt with the people in these support roles most of my life I can tell you that in my experience they really do care about my childs future.
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- brokeinmj
- - October 5th, 2009 at 14:20:22
They could cut at least half of the 125 positions, if the child is already handicapped what do they need it for. Swanson has no integrity or accountability and needs to be shut out this time.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 20:11:43
But don't all children have the right to a decent education??? Where do you draw the line as to who gets services, how much is spent on services and are these services working??? I think a review might be in order here and maybe it won't save any money, but it could make things better. As far as saying these children are already disabled and do not deserve an education strikes me as eugenics and a step back to Nazi Germany. It is the past, I believe Brian is going to look at making thingds better now and sustainable into the future.....
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- broke in mj
- - October 5th, 2009 at 11:09:55
BROKEINMJ, TOO BAD T/H DOESN'T VERIFY IDENTITY OF POSTERS. THAT WAS NOT MY POST!!!!!!! Mr. Swanson is the only one who wants people to be accountable, as far as LOCAL goes I would definetly say 125 in adminstration in the size of Moose Jaw is top heavy. Soon they will outnumber the teachers.
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- 2 Cents
- - October 5th, 2009 at 12:01:36
BROKE, Just as a point of clarification I would ask if you've done any research into who is included in the 125 "administrative" positions you point out? I didn't think so. So you consider speech pathologists, psychologists, student support consultants, etc. as being "administrative" (remember, these support people are primarily teachers who have Masters Degrees and highly specialized training)? Interesting?!?!? Perhaps you should do some homework and find out who is included in your magic 125 number and also what services that are currently being offered to students and their parents you think should be cut. Then as a parent of a special needs child I would then ask you to check with the parents of students and find out if their OK with these services being cut! Shame on you for throwing out mis-information!!
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 13:46:52
Just as an aside if Brian and others do not step up to the plate we might all be BROKE IN MJ. Sort of ironic that the impersonator makes the point don't you think????
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- 2 Cents
- - October 5th, 2009 at 15:03:43
Truth, Your assumption is that the current Board has not done a good job... assumptions are very dangerous when they are not backed up by honest research. Again, I would simply ask parents and others to do their own research and I think they will find that the majority of the "central office staff" in the division are NOT administration. They are educators and highly trained/qualified professionals who have made a world of difference for my childs life! Please parents, find out the real truth!
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 20:02:41
I am certain that when Brian is elected to the school division that he will de doing a lot of research and if there is any fat to be trimmed or better ways and efficiencies he will root them out.,,,,
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- 2 Cents
- - October 5th, 2009 at 21:03:36
But that's just my point. "If there's fat to be trimmed. Brian has already said that the division is "top heavy" not "if". To me that's awefully irresponsible to make that strong a statement before he's taken office and investigated.
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- brokeinmj
- - October 4th, 2009 at 23:30:20
Brian lives in the past and has no vision for the future. We need someone that wants to move this great city forward instead of abusing the position to attention seek and grand stand at every opportunity.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 13:44:16
Perhaps Mr Swansonis is just saving us from falling off the cliff and into a debt-ridden abyss. Have you thought of that?????
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- Push2Play
- - October 5th, 2009 at 15:07:09
Or perhaps Mr. Swanson is just a buisness owner whos bottom line is just that... the bottom line :) He's a fear-monger who preys on people. Have you thought of that??????
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 19:55:07
But isn't it better some times to go with the devil you k now than the one you don't??? The man is consistent you have to give him that, unlike some of the others that have inhabited the Main and Fairford Old Folks Home for al l too long....
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- Rex
- - October 4th, 2009 at 23:20:52
Its a proven fact he just looks out for #1 and tries to make his retirement as comfortable as possible at the sacrifice of progressing this city to the next level. Just say no to slumlords.
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- Charlie Horse
- - October 7th, 2009 at 14:54:29
I know an elderly lady who lives in a property that I believe is owned by Mr. Swanson's father. Brian takes care of the property. The lady couldn't be happier - she is treated like a queen. Brian is more of a friend to her than a landlord. So to everyone who is reading this - don't buy into the lies and attempts at smears. That dog won't hunt. Vote for Swanson.
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- Trudy
- - October 4th, 2009 at 16:48:01
Brian's pocketbook is bigger than the majority of Moose Jaw's residents. All evidence points to his biggest concern being himself.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 20:05:06
I see no proof or evidence stated in this forum to back up the assumption that his pocketbook is bigger than most people in Moose Jaw. Maybe the case could be made for the elder Mr Swanson, but whwere is the proof.....I am waiting.....
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- Steve
- - October 3rd, 2009 at 16:12:42
Brian only has his pocket book at heart
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:45:59
But Brian's pocketbook represents the pocketbook of the majority of MJ residents...Steve are you an Old Boy?????
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- MJ Girl
- - October 4th, 2009 at 20:54:37
Brian's concern is his bottom-line! Ask anyone (especially the elderly) who lives in one of his rental units! No snow removal and no repairs to the units. Disgraceful! He's all for anything that cuts his costs and boosts his profits! in my opinion he does NOT have the best interests in our children at heart at all!
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- Tyler
- - October 3rd, 2009 at 02:22:05
I hope Brian and that other gal that looks like Ellen Degeneris get in again. They have our best interests at heart.
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- Local
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 18:34:40
Just for the record Mr. Swanson: How did you determine that the head office is "top heavy"... please list your criteria and how the division compares with other school divisions of similar size and area? Which positions would you get rid of? Are you looking at payroll, HR, etc. or other head office people such as speech pathologists, educational psychartrists, etc.? Who would supply these programs and services to the students of Prairie South? Please provide the rationale/justification for your decisions and also please provide which programs and services which would be affected by such decisions and the cost savings that we ratepayers will realize. How will your platform support and advance the learning needs of the students of Prairie South? This should be easy... you were a classroom teacher. Lastly, what special skillsets does being a teacher bring as far as running an organization the size of Prariei South? I ask this in light of all those on Moose Jaw Forums that have said and continue to say that teachers can't run organizations? Your answer will be interesting considering many of the people who make this claim (teachers can't run organizations) are the same people that support your views on such issues as the Multiplex? Thank you in advance.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:48:10
Somebody doesn't want to get laid off....
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- Concern
- - October 4th, 2009 at 20:45:22
Mr. Truth... just wondering what your issue is with someone asking pertinent questions? Your response is nothing more than an attempt to avoid the questions and derail the intent... weak! These are the issues parents need to consider when making an informed decision. People need to due their own research and make their own decisions rather than voting based on political rhetoric and the latest buzz-phrase. BTW... nice arrogant/assuming nic name ;)
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 13:42:19
What can I say. There isn't really anything that Mr Swanson can do any more regarding tax levels, the province has finally accepted their responsibility and put cash on the table. Does the unit board need to have two offices in Moose Jaw??? Is there some duplication in the front office that could be eliminated and the money sent to where it should be...like the classroom. Maybe we can hire more teacher assistants, or maybe we can buy more library books. Perhaps there is time for a review. P.S. Thanks for complimenting my name....always remebr the old addage....the truth hurts.
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- Concern
- - October 5th, 2009 at 14:57:13
we can agree on one thing Truth, the province has finally taken responsibility for part of the education funding in the province, and I applaud them for that. My understanding is that the Office on Thatcher Drive houses senior administration (Director and Superintendants) along with non-educator support personnel (Payroll, Accounting, IT, Facilities, etc.). The office on 9th houses all of the speech pathologists, student support consultants, educational psychologists, etc., these are primarily educators. I do know that other school divisions in the province have these people under the "education" side of the organization and NOT the "central office/administration" side so I can see why there might be confussion here. The bottom line is I think when people throw out numbers like 125 in central office, they don't realize that many if not most of these people are in schools directly supporting students, teachers and parents in (as you've asked for)... they are simply housed at the 9th Avenue office. The cost to have one of hese specialists from each area in every school would be astronomical! Sometimes the "Truth" does hurt... but most of the time it just sets us free. LOL
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- SAM
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 15:21:53
In order to boost enrolment in Prairie South,you might want to take your kids out of the Catholic system.
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- sam
- - October 14th, 2009 at 09:36:54
Brian,why should the public vote for you when you don't have your kids in a Prairie South school?
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- Concerned
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 12:51:34
It's interesting that Swanson beleived that teaching in a classroom somehow qualifies him as an expert in running a school division. He bailed on the education sector a long time ago and now he wants back in... sad!!!
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:55:01
...he can't be any worse than what is already there...
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- Concern
- - October 4th, 2009 at 20:47:54
Mr. Truth (or should we say Brian???), Certainly he (or anyone else) could be worse! to say otherwise is affully arrogant of you .
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 13:32:26
Just so you know NO I am NOT Brian Swanson. Nor an I connected to his campaign in any way shape or form.... I add my comments here because it isallowed/ If you do not like my digs well that's life you are as free to your opinion as I am to my opinion
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 5th, 2009 at 19:57:04
Thank you very much for comparing me to Brian. I will take it as the compliment it was intended to be.......lmfao
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- Not Excited
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 12:43:03
I will make suer I cance both of Ann's votes - we can only hope that Swanson doesn't get the opportunity to try to drive the school board back into the dark ages with his petty grandstanding and negativity
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:56:39
...don't forget to sharpen your voting pencil....
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- Steve
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 10:40:58
I am so thankful that Swanson will not have any influence over my kids education, it was worth saying it twice.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:43:35
....sorry I can only pray for you once....
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- Steve
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 10:38:08
The only thing I have to say is.......thank God I'm Catholic.
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- mr truth
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:42:14
I'll pray for your soul.....
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- broke in mj
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 10:04:17
Finally a person who sees how top heavy this School Division is. As he says declining enrollment, yet more administration. Thanks Brian, someone who is willing to come out with the facts. You have my vote twice!!!!
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- Concerned Citizen
- - October 2nd, 2009 at 08:46:47
Swanson,only an arrogant, self centered egotisit,like yourself would try to run for both council and school board . Hopefully,the voters will reject you for both positions.
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- mr truth
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:40:46
I wouldn't bet against Brian winning both of these elections. He is well liked and respected in the community.
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:52:57
Remember you said "Hopefully" I think that it will be NOT LIKELY he won't win both of them. And I don't think Brian is in the cult of personality. His name is Swanson and not Stalin.
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- hugh betcha
- - October 7th, 2009 at 15:07:08
Brian Swanson is the most capable and articulate councillor we have. Hopefully the percentage of the electorate that bothers to think through the issues will re-elect him and Dawn Luhning., as they seem to be the only ones who truly care about the future of this city. The high-rollers we are just getting rid of always seemed to have lots of ink in their pens when it came time to write out cheques and apply for loans that our kids get to pay off.
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- Ann
- - October 1st, 2009 at 22:12:10
Hopefully Brian can get the school board cleaned up and open some eyes like he does at council. Looks like I will be voting for Swanson twice this election!
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- MR TRUTH
- - October 4th, 2009 at 02:50:23
If Brian is elected it will certainly liven up the otherwise dull school board meetings now won't it....
Nope - no relation. I just like an honest guy when I see one. Focus on the truth. Remember - it will set you free.